Boca Juniors vs Benfica is set to be one of the most thrilling encounters in the 2025 Club World Cup. The two giants—Argentina’s Boca Juniors and Portugal’s Benfica—will face off for the first time in history at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 16, 2025, at 11:00 PM (local time).
This Group C clash is crucial, with Bayern Munich and Auckland City also vying for a knockout spot. For Boca, it’s a chance to reclaim past glory, while Benfica aims to prove their European pedigree on the global stage.
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How to Watch Boca Juniors vs Benfica
Fans worldwide can catch the action live:
- UK: DAZN & Channel 5
- US: DAZN
Team News: Injuries and Key Absences
Boca Juniors
- Ayrton Costa (defender) is out after a visa denial.
- Marco Pellegrino (new signing) is sidelined with a muscle injury.
- Veteran striker Edinson Cavani could lead the attack alongside Miguel Merentiel .
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Marchesín; Blondel, Battaglia, Rojo, Blanco; Belmonte, Delgado, Herrera; Zeballos, Cavani, Zenón.
Benfica
- Álvaro Carreras (left-back) is expected to play despite transfer links to Real Madrid.
- Vangelis Pavlidis (19 goals last season) will spearhead the attack, supported by Ángel Di María.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Trubin; Araújo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Florentino, Kökçü, Aursnes; Di María, Pavlidis, Aktürkoğlu.
Key Stats and Storylines
- Boca Juniors have won six Copa Libertadores titles and three Intercontinental Cups.
- They reached the 2023 Libertadores final via dramatic penalty shootouts.
- Benfica are Portugal’s most successful club with 38 league titles.
- Di María vs Herrera: Former PSG teammates will now battle in midfield.
Boca Juniors vs Benfica Prediction
Both teams have experienced squads but contrasting styles:
- Boca relies on defensive solidity and counterattacks.
- Benfica plays an expansive, possession-based game.
Given Benfica’s recent form and Boca’s injury concerns, a narrow Benfica win (1-2) seems likely. However, a draw is also a strong possibility as both teams settle into the tournament.
Predicted Score: Boca Juniors 1-2 Benfica.
Final Thoughts
Boca Juniors vs Benfica is more than just a group-stage match—it’s a battle of footballing philosophies. With European flair meeting South American grit, this encounter promises drama, tactical intrigue, and perhaps a glimpse of who will challenge Bayern Munich for Group C supremacy.
Will Boca’s experience prevail, or will Benfica’s attacking firepower prove too much? Tune in to find out!
